Hooking up MPD18 controller to S1000 sampler - possible??

Yo MPC-niors!

I own an Skal S1000 sampler (rack version) which I really want to start using more!

I read a forum post once by a guy who wrote he had hooked up his M-Audio Trigger Finger pad controller to his Akal S01 sampler. So I'm thinking this must be possible with an MPD18 and an S1000 as well. However, unlike the Trigger Finger, the MPD18 does NOT have a real MIDI output - only a USB-MIDI output!

1. So my first question is: will it work if I buy one of those USB-MIDI-to-regular-MIDI converters so I can insert a regular MIDI cable into the MPD?

2. And if so, will I then have to power the MPD with an external power cable as it wont be getting power via USB anymore (I don't think...)?

Thanks in advance for any helpful answers/comments.

Peace!

Why not just get a pad controller with a normal midi out port? Otherwise use the one you've got thru a computer/midi interface, and out to the Akai.

He could do what he proposed as long as the USB MIDI interface/cable is class compliant/no driver which 99.9% of them are, I'm pretty sure. But he would need a DC power pack set to the right polarity. Many plugs you can buy have switchable adapters to get the polarity matched, the right polarity is in a graphic on most gear.

All the other MPD's have a standard 5 pin DIN MIDI socket, and in all cases you'll need the power pack when no USB juice is available. Even the old MPD16 had a 5 pin MIDI out.